My Dog has Parvo, Should I Force Feed Him?

Either a second veterinary opinion, or a conference with your vet so he/she can give you the reasons for her opinion so you understand why she gave that advice.

It sounds like this dog needs to be hospitalized instead of at home treating.

Agree with the previous posts, I wouldn't sit back and just do what I'm told.

Is the dog at least drinking water? Or is it just IV?

@jagger He is drinking water occasionally on his own and im also giving him IV / Subcutaneous Fluids

@naturalfeddogs Vets wont allow me to hospitalize him because i don't have $3,000+

It is now day 7 and still no interest in food, small interest in water tho...

DO NOT force feed your pup! Parvo involves the gastrointestinal systems so you really don't want to tax it at this time....it is dehydration that usually kills dogs so keeping it hydrated is the most important thing to do. That is why the anti nausea meds and SQ fluids are sooo important. Keep up the meds, call your vet with ANY concerns, and definitely don't run out of bags of the ringers solution!!


P.S. Check his gums/ skin frequently for signs of dehydration.

P.S P.S Google this from Colorado State University........'New Protocols Gives Puppies a Fighting Chance'

If she's still drinking water, you may be able to capitalize on that.

Boil down some finely diced meat - beef, chicken or pork, strain it and see if she'll take the meat flavored water. Another thing is bone broth, you can find recipes online and it's easy to make, just takes time.

If she'll take the meat flavored water, maybe try to sneak some vitamin powder in, see if she'll still drink it.

Something else too, maybe she'll drink some "ensure" or other meal replacement drink. Ensure has lactose, not sure if you can find lactose free or not.

At least it'll get something into him.

@jagger thats sounds like a great idea, i'll prepare him some meat flavored water and see if he goes for that, i'll post regular updates if anyone is interested. thank you for the good idea

@LuvMyFluff Yes ive heard of the case studies at colorado institute regarding the 40 parvo pups, and i think your right i shouldn't force feed him because parvo attacks the microvilli within the intestines and GI tracts

i just wanted to post here to get some creative ideas and second opinions because its been sooo long since hes eaten * 7 days now * and i'm really worried but over all your right, i wont force feed him that will just cause him more abdominal pain / vomiting / diarrhea

ApexCode said:

@jagger thats sounds like a great idea, i'll prepare him some meat flavored water and see if he goes for that, i'll post regular updates if anyone is interested. thank you for the good idea

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Please do keep us updated. Your postings may help someone else down the road.

I hope all turns out fine with your pup.

Hoping for the best for your little one! Yes, keep us posted!

Beef liver remedy for failing puppies

Take a large piece of beef liver, add a little bit of water, and boil slowly, about 5 minutes, until the blood comes out. Let cool, drain the liquid and put just 4 drops (no matter the breed) into a dropper and give to puppy. At first you give it every 2 hours for 12 hours, then every 4 hours. Continue until you feel the puppy is thriving. Don't use any of the liver itself, it's way too rich, just the liquid

Gnostic Dog said:

Beef liver remedy for failing puppies

Take a large piece of beef liver, add a little bit of water, and boil slowly, about 5 minutes, until the blood comes out. Let cool, drain the liquid and put just 4 drops (no matter the breed) into a dropper and give to puppy. At first you give it every 2 hours for 12 hours, then every 4 hours. Continue until you feel the puppy is thriving. Don't use any of the liver itself, it's way too rich, just the liquid

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I think this is a good idea, and paired with meat flavored water could really help. Please try these, and let us know how things are going.

Gnostic Dog said:

Beef liver remedy for failing puppies

Take a large piece of beef liver, add a little bit of water, and boil slowly, about 5 minutes, until the blood comes out. Let cool, drain the liquid and put just 4 drops (no matter the breed) into a dropper and give to puppy. At first you give it every 2 hours for 12 hours, then every 4 hours. Continue until you feel the puppy is thriving. Don't use any of the liver itself, it's way too rich, just the liquid

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I've never heard of that, will be filed away for future. Thanks.

jagger said:

I've never heard of that, will be filed away for future. Thanks.

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Tons of nutrition in liquid form. Great for situations like this. I had actually forgotten about it, myself. I have always called it a liver broth.

Okay guys soo its now day 8 and he FINALLY ATE SOME CHICKEN BREAST, i did the whole meat flavored water thing for the last 2 days and i really think it triggered his appetite, hes looking A TON better today, walking around wagging his tail ect, alot of his energy and strength has returned he ate about half a whole chicken breast!!!

i also gave him some liquid vitamin B12 and i also gave him Paxxin a.k.a Parvaid prior to his appetite returned, thank you everyone for the helpful input and thank you soo much for caring i think my pup is gonna make a full recovery!!!!

ApexCode said:

Okay guys soo its now day 8 and he FINALLY ATE SOME CHICKEN BREAST, i did the whole meat flavored water thing for the last 2 days and i really think it triggered his appetite, hes looking A TON better today, walking around wagging his tail ect, alot of his energy and strength has returned he ate about half a whole chicken breast!!!

i also gave him some liquid vitamin B12 and i also gave him Paxxin a.k.a Parvaid prior to his appetite returned, thank you everyone for the helpful input and thank you soo much for caring i think my pup is gonna make a full recovery!!!!

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That's awesome news for you and the dog. Hopefully he's on the road to recovery.